henoteísmo

Henoteísmo is a religious concept that describes the worship of a single god while not denying the existence of other deities. In henothistic systems, one god is elevated above all others and is considered the supreme deity, the focus of worship, and the ultimate power. However, the existence of other gods is acknowledged, though they are often seen as subordinate, lesser, or even manifestations of the supreme being.

This form of belief contrasts with monotheism, which asserts the absolute existence of only one god and the non-existence of any others. It also differs from polytheism, which involves the worship of multiple gods without necessarily elevating one above the rest. Henoteísmo occupies a middle ground, emphasizing a primary deity without completely discarding the presence of others in the religious cosmology.

Historically, henothistic elements have been identified in various ancient religions. Some scholars suggest that early Israelite religion, before the full development of strict monotheism, exhibited henothistic characteristics, where Yahweh was supreme but other gods were not entirely negated. Similarly, certain Vedic traditions in ancient India have been interpreted as showing henothistic tendencies, with different deities being lauded as supreme in different hymns or contexts. The understanding and application of the term "henoteísmo" can vary among scholars, and it is often used to describe complex religious evolutions.